2023 Faculty Courses School of Materials and Chemical Technology Undergraduate major in Materials Science and Engineering
Quantum Chemistry A
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Materials Science and Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Yukio Ouchi
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Tue (S8-102)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- MAT.P201
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2023
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 8, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This is a continuation of “Quantum Mechanics of Materials (MAT.A202.R)”, and is the first of a two course sequence with “Quantum Chemistry B (MAT.P202.E)". We begin by reviewing the shortcomings of classical physics and elementary quantum physics. After introducing some useful mathematical tools, we explain the postulates and formulations of quantum mechanics; understanding of operator, physical observable and eigenvalue, commutation relation etc. are developed. The remainder of the course focuses on learning the importance of approximate methods in quantum chemistry and mastering its calculation techniques, such as perturbation and a variation principle. “Quantum Chemistry B (MAT.P202.E)” covers its application to simple real physical systems and is also recommended.
Course description and aims
[Outcome] To gain an understanding of advanced materials science, quantum mechanics and the way of its application to chemistry and material engineering are essential in order to answer the questions on the structure and function of materials. Upon successful completion of “Quantum Chemistry A”, students will have accomplished the objectives of learning the approximate methods and techniques in quantum chemistry to apply for real physical systems of materials science and engineering.
[Theme] Quantum mechanics fails to obtain rigorous solutions for complex systems. To overcome these difficulties, many types of approximate methods and techniques have been invented and applied. This course focuses on understanding of perturbation and a variation principle on the basis of elementary quantum mechanics for the application of quantum mechanical calculations.
Keywords
the Schrödinger equation, harmonic oscillator, spherically symmetric potential (H-atom), N-particle system, physical observable, eigenvalue, bra-ket notation, commutators, uncertainty principle, physical observable, time evolution of state vectors, conservation, perturbation, variation principle, Ritz method
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Course materials are provided beforehand. Before coming to class, students should read the course schedule and contents of the course materials. Required learning should be completed outside of the classroom for preparation and review purposes.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Review of elementary quantum mechanics (the Schrödinger equation) | Homework is given in the class. |
| Class 2 | Review of elementary quantum mechanics (Electron as waves, and 1D simple harmonic oscillator) | |
| Class 3 | Review of elementary quantum mechanics (Simple rotation, and spherically symmetric potential(H-atom)) | |
| Class 4 | Basic formalism (1) (N-particle system, physical observable and eigenvalues, bra-ket notation) | |
| Class 5 | Basic formalism (2) (commutators and uncertainty principle, physical observable, time evolution of state vectors, and conservation) | |
| Class 6 | Approximate method (1) (Perturbation) | |
| Class 7 | Approximate method (2) (Variation principle, Ritz method) |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Course materials can be found on T2SCHOLA.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Yoshiya HARADA, "Quantum Chemistry", Sho-kabo, in Japanese
Masayoshi Oiwa, "10 lectures of calculas for chemist", Kagakudojin, in Japanese
Peter ATKINS, Physical Chemistry, Oxford
Evaluation methods and criteria
Homework: 20%, Final Exam: 80%.
Related courses
- MAT.A203 ： Quantum Mechanics of Materials
Prerequisites
It is recommended but not required that before taking quantum chemistry A, students take general physics and calculus, matrix/linear algebra, and ordinary differential and partial equations.